19. The BFG (7/1)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

Celebrated filmmaker Steven Spielberg adapts Roald Dahl’s children book The B.F.G. (Big, Friendly Giant) for a July 2016 release. As usual, he enlists an extended cast comprised of in-demand, talented performers. Mark Rylance (Bridge of Spies) plays the title role, a giant unlike other giants because of his kindness and refusal to eat children. He befriends little girl Sophie when experiencing life as an outcast, kind giant. Rebecca Hall (Iron Man 3), Bill Hader (“Saturday Night Live”), and Jemaine Clement (Men in Black 3) co-star in the fantasy family film. Co-partner Disney already adapted Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach quitewell two decades ago, so expect Spielberg and DreamWorks to give the book the translation it deserves.